“There are a number of constitutional issues arising from the involvement of the LEP in development projects,. It appears that some of our constitutional rights could be eroded by the process. The LEP leadership and directors are leading council figures. Others are business leaders who by definition have large commercial interests to serve.
Planning decisions may be significantly influenced by unelected representatives in a non transparent manner. [Some of these unelected representatives are local council leaders]. Elected representatives will then feel pressurized to assist these through highway and other council departments.
Currently the involvement or assistance [or subsidy] of the LEP is not required to be stated on planning application. This appears to oppose our planning safeguards enshrined in planning laws. [In effect, the LEP is a co-developer].
Therefore we would ask that the following constitutional safeguards are put in place immediately and well before any “devolution” moves forward. A statement should also be issued by district councils clearly showing which planning applications were [are] supported by the LEP’s since their inception in 2011.
Clear information must be included in any planning application assisted by the LEP which shows what assistance and funding has been given by LEP and their partners on all planning application. This is simple openness and transparency that we all expect.”
Source: South Devon Watch [Facebook]
As an example, local LEPs smoothed the way for a re-opened Cornish tungsten mine but they did not have to declare this at the planning stage.
East Devon Watch 